Constellations: A Large number of Small drawings is a major component of the RMIT University and University of Arts London Drawing Out conference, held at Storey Hall, RMIT City campus, 7-9 April.

Constellations explores the role of drawing in a wide range of professions. The exhibition brings together a large number of small Australian drawings from diverse disciplines such as Art, Architecture, Cartography, Design, Fashion, Film, Photography, Science and Music.

Drawing is both a verb and a noun; it is both an act and the resultant images. Constellations explores how drawings are used, from schematic ‘thinking through’ studies, to objects for delectation. Alongside complete drawings of high artistic value, the exhibition includes provisional, or preparatory drawings and applied drawings for professional outcomes such as scientific drawings, designs for installations and sketchbook notes.

The effect of emerging technologies is evident across disciplines. Constellations documents the distinction between hand-drawn images and those that have been made digitally. It raises the question; does the immediacy of the human presence in hand-drawing extend to those made using new technologies?

Exhibition curator Vanessa Gerrans said: “We sought small drawings in anticipation that they might be intimate and reflective; curiosities for viewers to ‘peer into’. The selection of diverse participants was conducted in a viral manner to embrace familiar and unfamiliar contemporary artists.

“Their work is linked by both intense curiosity and focused research. The resultant configuration of drawings captures the quality, purpose and breadth of drawing in Australia.”